When discussing the “Social” aspect in ESG within the construction industry, health and safety are often the first considerations. At Xella, these are a priority and integral to our corporate culture. However, the construction industry is also traditionally male-dominated. Achieving gender equality, inclusiveness, and fair remuneration is a significant challenge that must not be overlooked. Reflecting on the 50 years of our Horní Počaply plant near Mělník in the Czech Republic, we celebrate progress not only in technology and safety but also in fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Our commitment to equality and inclusion is evident in the diverse experiences of our employees, particularly the women who have broken stereotypes and made significant contributions to our company.

Voices from the plant

We spoke with four remarkable women from our Horní Počaply plant to understand their journeys and perspectives in a traditionally male-dominated industry:

Jarča Nekudová, 38 years at Xella.

Started as a crane operator, also works as a forklift driver, and has experience in production, administration, and communication:

"To be honest, I didn't like it at all when I came to work on my first day at 22 years old. The new environment and unfamiliar faces made it tough to adapt. But I soon got used to it. Now, after 38 years, I can't imagine working anywhere else. The people you work and get close with make a big difference."

Martina Fixlová, 35 years at Xella.

Shipping and packing line operator, experienced in production, outdoor and indoor crane operation:

"I started when I was 23 and began working in shipping. At first, I was very afraid of operating the crane because of the height. Taking on a task depends on ability, but sometimes it's also about opportunity. There were a lot of people here to train us, and although it was challenging at first, I managed to do it. The good thing is that, as a woman, nowadays people support you in taking opportunities and women are able do a lot of tasks that only men used to carry out.
After three years on maternity leave, I came back and have been here ever since. If I'm counting right, that's 35 years. The work environment has improved significantly over the years, becoming much more organized and safer. A good example are the changing rooms and facilities for us. But also, the awareness is different. We all know that we have to take care of ourselves and our colleagues. Some used to see work safety rules as a constraint or an inconvenience, but now we take them as an integral part of every work shift."

Hanka Svobodová, 5 years at Xella.

Packaging line operator, also trained on the casting line:

"I started shortly after an illness, believing I could do everything needed, but plant downtime due to maintenance work in the summer made the beginning difficult. I was nervous, but getting to know my colleagues during downtime helped me a lot. I was used to a female team and wasn't sure about a mixed team, but I adapted quickly and now I actually prefer working that way."

Anna Makarenko, 3 years at Xella.

Packaging line operator:

"I moved to the Czech Republic from Ukraine and initially worked as a cleaner due to the language barrier. Gradually, I learned Czech and, with my colleagues' support, adapted quickly. Now, as a packaging line operator, I am happy to have mastered the language and my job. Though intimidated at first, the help from all my colleagues made a big difference in overcoming my initial struggle."

Embracing diversity for a stronger future

These women' experiences highlight the importance of a supportive work culture in empowering employees to overcome challenges and grow. As we celebrate 50 years of the Horní Počaply plant, we look forward to continuing this legacy of progress. Our diverse and inclusive workforce is our greatest asset, enabling us to tackle future challenges and seize new opportunities.